COLItest is a highly specific test for rapid identification of Escherichia coli using detection of ß-glucuronidase activity and indole formation. Enzyme ß-glucuronidase cleaves 4-methylumbellipheryl-ß-D-glucuronide (MUG), the 4-umbellipheron is formed and it shows blue fluorescence under UV light source. Indole formation from L-tryptophan is detected by red colouring after adding the Reagent for INDOLE test. Combination of positive ß-glucuronidase and indol reactions shows approx. 95% specificity for Escherichia coli. COLItest can also be successfully used for the presumptive identification of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O 157 H:7 with typical combination of negative ß-glucuronidase and positive indol reactions. ß-glucuronidase test can also be used for the differentiation in other bacterial groups, e.g. staphylococci. The strip is dipped into a defined suspension of a tested strain and incubated for 4 hours. The preliminary reading of ß-glucuronidase reaction under UV-lamp is possible within 1 hour; after 4 hours of incubation the Reagent for INDOLE test is added and indole reaction is visually evaluated.

• Additional preparations: Reagent for INDOLE test, UV lamp

MIKROLATEST® detection strips are plastic strips with a porous zone made of filter paper containing reagent substrate for detection of bacterial enzyme or metabolite. They are a modern alternative to diagnostic discs, they are more user friendly and economical. According to their types, the bacterial culture tested is either rubbed into the reagent zone or the strip is inserted into a tube containing an examined bacterial suspension and cultured.

The detection strips are used either together with MIKROLATEST® identification kits for the additional testing or separately. In some cases, additional reagents should be used in order to improve reaction sensitivity. One strip package is sufficient for 50 examinations. Features of

MIKROLATEST® detection strips:

• user-friendly – easy manipulation without any other aids
• reliable quality – standard and reproducible results
• fast detection – results available within 1 minute, 1-4 minutes or not later than within 48 hours, according to the test and the microorganism type

MIKROLATEST® detection strips include:

• plastic tube containing 50 pcs of strips
• instructions for use
• storage - detection strips should be stored in a refrigerator at the temperature of +2 up to +8 °C